The perfect match We reveal the bridal hair trends for 2026 along with the jewellery brides are choosing to match This year, we’re seeing a shift in bridal styling from polished, traditional looks to something more personal and intentional. Brides are pairing hair and jewellery thoughtfully, rather than treating accessories as an afterthought. Across the UK, ‘wedding jewellery’ now averages 20,000 searches per month, up 17 per cent from the past quarter, with certain categories such as ‘bridal earrings’ up a whopping 5,000 per cent. “Bridal has definitely shifted,” hairstylist Chlöe Swift ( @chloeswiftstylist) says. “It’s less about looking perfect and more about being intentional, something that complements the dress and overall look, rather than necessarily being a centrepiece itself.” From undone waves to textured buns and sleek styles, the focus is on a cohesive, wearable look. “Think softer, more personal, more wearable, but still elevated, more than just your everyday hair. As a hairstylist, what I’m seeing is a move towards styles that feel like you, just refined. And the jewellery, that’s what finishes it. Not an afterthought, but part of the overall look,” Chlöe continues. When it comes to bridal jewellery, co-founder and style director of jewellery brand Prya (prya.co.uk) Arwa Hassan explains, “The biggest change is the move towards individuality. Brides are no longer asking what they should wear; they’re asking what works for them. It’s less about tradition and more about creating a look that feels authentic. Even something blue has evolved; brides are choosing sapphire or topaz studs that feel understated but still meaningful. The biggest mistake is over-accessorising. The most elevated bridal looks are often the simplest – it’s about choosing pieces that truly work with the overall styling.” Here, Chlöe and Arwa team up to share the hairstyles set to define 2026, alongside their jewellery recommendations. prya.co.uk 66
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